Analysis: Arsenal 1 Manchester United 1

Premier League, Sunday 28^th April 2013

Arsenal formed a guard of honour to recognise Manchester United’s new champions status prior to kick-off on Sunday, but were expectedly competitive on the pitch. The Gunners took the lead after two minutes with an offside goal, but Robin van Persie equalised with a penalty. United probably had the better chances to win it, but a poor final ball often let them down. Here’s some analysis:

The finest collection of centre-backs…

Do Manchester United have the finest collection of centre-backs in the Premier League? Almost certainly. Chris Smalling, England’s first choice, is only fifth choice at United. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic hold the key to experience, if lacking in some pace. Jonny Evans and Phil Jones are the increasingly commanding youths. Three of these five started against Arsenal. Phil Jones played in midfield, and offered some important defensive work in halting the Arsenal midfield advances. Evans and Ferdinand were authoritative and calm at the back, sniffing out numerous chances. Evans form in his last two games has been exceptional considering his time out injured. Ferdinand’s performance reeked of class, best demonstrated by the numerous times he tricked an Arsenal player in order to bring the ball out of defence. A worthy inclusion in PFA team of the year.

Wing concerns continue

United’s wingers did nothing to improve their current form against Arsenal. Nani was given a rare start, and performed ok, but nothing more. There was some occasional misguided decision-making, although the Portugese player did have the air of a constant threat. His likely departure in the summer will be a disappointment. He was not brilliant versus Arsenal, but still the better of the two wide players.

United’s other winger, Antonio Valencia, continued his season-long downward spiral against Arsenal. Some recent good performances (namely versus Aston Villa) have provided hope that he may be back on the upward track. However he was extremely disappointing against Arsenal in terms of his final ball. Perhaps his positioning and movement was good, but his crossing was well off par and gave the United players looking to get onto the end no chance. United’s wingers will require these last few games of the season in order to start reversing perceptions about their poor form.

Going Forward

This draw against Arsenal ended United’s hopes of reaching a record points total this season. There was some understandably complacent play, but overall this was a decent showing from the newly-crowned champions. United now play Chelsea in a pivotal game for the Blues, hence another strong Reds line-up can be expected.

 Ratings

[4-4-2]: De Gea-7, Rafael-6, Ferdinand-7*, Evans-7, Evra-7, Valencia-5, Carrick-7, Jones-6, Nani-6, Rooney-6, Van Persie-6

*Man of the match

(Giggs-6, Anderson-6, Hernandez-6)